Psalms 119:33
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Original Language Analysis
הוֹרֵ֣נִי
HE Teach
H3384
הוֹרֵ֣נִי
HE Teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
יְ֭הוָה
me O LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
me O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
the way
H1870
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
חֻקֶּ֗יךָ
of thy statutes
H2706
חֻקֶּ֗יךָ
of thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 6
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:Isaiah 54:13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.Psalms 119:12Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.Revelation 2:26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.John 6:45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.Psalms 119:112I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.Psalms 119:8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, Torah instruction happened through priests, parents, and public reading (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The cry 'teach me' acknowledges that possessing Scripture isn't enough—the Spirit must illuminate. This anticipates Jesus's promise of the Spirit who 'will teach you all things' (John 14:26) and guide into truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you actively seek God's teaching about His statutes beyond merely reading Scripture—through prayer, study, godly counsel?
- What's the relationship between God's teaching (His responsibility) and your keeping (your responsibility) in sanctification?
- Where do you need to pray 'teach me' because you're trying to obey statutes you don't yet understand or delight in?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes (הוֹרֵנִי יְהוָה דֶּֽרֶךְ חֻקֶּיךָ)—Yarah (to teach, instruct) is the root of Torah, emphasizing that instruction is God's prerogative. The derek (way) of His chuqqim (statutes, decrees) requires divine pedagogy—these aren't self-evident truths we discover but revealed wisdom we receive. Addressing Yahweh directly makes this prayer covenantal and personal. And I shall keep it unto the end (וְאֶצְּרֶנָּה עֵקֶב)—Natsar (to keep, guard, observe) pictures vigilant protection. Eqev (consequence, end, reward) suggests both perseverance to the end and the resulting blessing of obedience.
This He (ה) stanza begins with humble recognition: knowing God's statutes requires His teaching. The psalmist doesn't promise self-generated perseverance but conditional faithfulness: 'teach me, and I will keep it.' This models the biblical pattern of divine initiative and human response—God instructs, we guard what we've been taught, and this guarding itself depends on ongoing divine enablement.